Candidate Jean Xu is facing speculation over her party affiliation as she runs for the Howard County Council seat. Xu, a Democrat, has been accused of having ties to the Republican Party after voting for President Donald Trump in 2016 and making a $100 donation to Tudy Adler, a member of the conservative Moms for Liberty group.
Xu denies voting for Trump, claiming she was misquoted or that her vote was for a different candidate. She also said she had never given any interviews about her past politics. Despite this, her online critics continue to question her party affiliation and motives.
In an effort to avoid party labels, Xu has stated that she prefers not to be identified as conservative, liberal, or moderate. However, this hasn’t stopped voters from making assumptions based on her actions and donations.
Xu’s fluid past politics have contributed to the speculation. She was born in China and became a naturalized citizen in 2000, allowing her to vote in key races while also serving on the Board of Appeals. Her party affiliation has changed over the years, but she emphasizes that this allows her to connect with voters across different political spectrums.
Xu’s campaign focuses on hyperlocal issues such as building a new high school, smart development, and addressing nuisance deer. She believes these local issues are more important than national politics and is trying to distance herself from party affiliations.
Her opponents, including former Army officer James Handley and emergency room doctor Kevin Chin, have called for Xu to be more transparent about her past politics. However, Xu maintains that she is a candidate who stands for progressive values and is committed to representing the interests of all Howard County residents.
Despite the speculation surrounding her party affiliation, Xu remains optimistic about her chances in the election. She believes that voters are looking beyond party labels and focusing on the issues that matter most to them.
Source: https://www.thebanner.com/politics-power/local-government/howard-county-council-jean-xu-T7VCSUIQVVEPDKXJVDFE3JK734